"Margaret is up stairs,
sewing."
"Well, there is a time for everything, and the girls are old enough to
know it; but here comes Susan. Come, Susan, thee ought to be helping
thy mother these hot days; but who is this friend?"
"Mrs. Lindsay's daughter," said Susan.
Emma might have saved her graceful courtesy this time; for the old
gentleman did not return it by taking off his broad-brimmed hat: yet
she felt the sincere politeness of his manner, as, offering his hand,
he said, "I am glad to see thee, child; how is thy mother?"
"Very well, thank you," said Emma, taking a seat upon the cushioned
chair, which Susan brought and placed near the open door.
The old lady was not less cordial in her manner toward their visitor;
but she seemed in a great hurry to get dinner upon the table, for the
men were coming from the field, and the sun had crossed the noon-mark.
Emma was glad to see Susan taking hold to help her mother; and
presently Margaret came down stairs, dressed a little too much, and a
little too girlish, but appearing very kind and good-natured.
"What shall I call thy name?" asked the old gentleman.
"Emma, if you please," was the reply.
"Well, then, Emma," he continued, "thee is welcome to our table; take
thy chair along, and eat dinner with us."
Emma felt but little appetite for a farmer's dinner; but she saw that
the family would feel more comfortable if she was at the table with
them, and prompted, not by appetite, but by true courtesy, she did as
she was desired.
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